Boat docking stabilizer

ABSTRACT

An improved boat docking stabilizer device to an economic, compact and reliable boat mooring apparatus that stabilizes a moored boat for safe boarding and de-boarding of passengers while permitting the boat to roll free with the waves thus preventing damage to either the dock or the moored boat. An improved boat docking stabilizer device which may be used in pairs for mooring a boat to a dock structure or the like. This boat docking stabilizer device includes an adjustable backboard mounted perpendicularly to a dock structure by fastening means, an adjustable vertical support bracket mounted to the backboard, a hitch ball coupler pivotably mounted to the vertical support bracket for receiving a ball hitch mounted on a boat, and means for locking the hitch ball coupler in a ready position and in a locked position.

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application filed under 35U.S.C. §111(a)) claiming priority of the provisional application serialNo. 60/394,729 filed Jul. 10, 2002. Reference is hereby made toDisclosure Document No. 504145. All subject matter set forth inProvisional application serial No. 60/394,729 and document disclosurereference 504145 are incorporated by reference into the presentapplication.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This invention relates generally to a boat docking stabilizerwhich may be used in pairs for mooring a boat to a dock structure or thelike. This invention relates specifically to an economic, compact andreliable boat mooring apparatus that stabilizes a moored boat for safeboarding and deboarding of passengers while permitting the boat to rollfree with the waves thus preventing damage to either the dock or themoored boat.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention is directed to an improved, economic,compact and reliable boat docking stabilizer device for mooring a boatto a dock structure that stabilizes a moored boat allowing for safeboarding and de-boarding of passengers from the moored boat, comprisingan adjustable backboard mounted perpendicularly to a dock structure byfastening means, an adjustable vertical support bracket mounted to thebackboard, a hitch ball coupler pivotably mounted to the verticalsupport bracket for receiving a ball hitch mounted on a boat, and meansfor locking the hitch ball coupler in a ready position and in a lockedposition. The boat docking stabilizer device wherein the hitch ballcoupler has a handle mounted linearly to the hitch ball coupler as meansfor ease of use of the device. The backboard of the boat dockingstabilizer device has a parallel row of apertures formed therein asadjustment means for the positioning of the backboard relative to thedock. The vertical support bracket of the boat docking stabilizer has aparallel row of apertures formed therein as adjustment means for thepositioning of the vertical support bracket upon backboard. The hitchball coupler may be adjusted vertically by moving pivot pin to differentapertures in the vertical support bracket. The hitch ball coupler may bepositioned in a ready position and in a locked position by moving alocking pin, received by a tube carried by the hitch ball coupler, intoa different pair of apertures in the vertical support bracket such thatthe hitch ball coupler remains in a desired position.

[0004] An improved boat docking stabilizer device for mooring a boat toa dock structure that stabilizes a moored boat allowing for safeboarding and de-boarding of passengers from the moored boat, comprisinga pair of such devices positioned apart form each other on a dock suchthat a boat may be moored between the pair of the devices. An improvedboat docking stabilizer device such that the moored boat rides on thewater without damage to either the boat or the dock permitting the boatto be left moored for a lengthy period of time. An improved boat dockingstabilizer device such that the device could be mounted for use on alarger boat to moor a smaller boat thereto. For a better understandingof the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attainedby its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings anddescriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the invention isillustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Understanding of the invention will be enhanced by referring tothe accompanying drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts inthe several views and in which:

[0006]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a boat docking stabilizer deviceof the present invention;

[0007]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hitch ball coupler portion ofthe device of the present invention with the locking pin and pivotingpins removed from the device;

[0008]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the backboard and vertical supportbracket portion of the present invention;

[0009]FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the device in its stored positionwith the boat and dock shown in phantom;

[0010]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view with the device in its readyposition and the boat mounted hitch ball shown in phantom and the dockshown in phantom;

[0011]FIG. 6 is a side elevation view with the device shown in itsposition of use but not locked with the hitch ball, boat and dock shownin phantom;

[0012]FIG. 7 is a side elevation view with the device shown in itsposition of use and locked with the hitch ball, boat and dock shown inphantom;

[0013]FIG. 8 is a sectional detail, indicated in FIG. 2, of the pivottube welded into the hitch ball coupler; and

[0014]FIG. 9 is a sectional detail, indicated in FIG. 2, of the lockingtube welded into the hitch ball coupler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Understanding of the invention will be further enhanced byreferring to the following illustrative but non-limiting example.

[0016] Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference charactersrefer to corresponding elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1illustrates the assembled boat docking stabilizer 10 of the presentinvention with a backboard 20 shown mounted by a channel bracket 21 to adock 22, shown in phantom. Backboard 20 has two rows of apertures 24formed in parallel rows therein, the apertures 24 formed adjacent theperimeter edge of the backboard 20. The apertures 24 permit thebackboard 20 to be mounted in a generally vertical position by nuts andbolts or other fasteners to the dock 22. In actual use conditions,backboard is of wooden material, such as oak, although other resilientyet machinable materials could be used. A second set of bores 26 areformed in parallel rows in a central portion of the backboard 20. Thesebores 26 permit the vertical support bracket 30 to be mounted by nutsand bolts, screws or other fastening means to the backboard 20.Apertures 32 are formed in parallel rows in the vertical support bracket30 both to permit the bracket 30 to be mounted to the backboard 20 byscrews or other fasteners and to provide a receiver for pivot pin 62which forms the attachment means for hitch ball coupler 50 to beattached to vertical support bracket 30. The backboard 20 is positionedby fastening means, such as nuts and bolts, screws or other fasteningmeans, to a dock 22 or other structure to which the boat is desired tobe moored. Channel bracket 21 is provided in actual use conditions asadditional fastening means such that a portion of the dock 22 issandwiched between channel bracket 21 and backboard 20 to providestability to attachment of the device to the dock 22 although verticalsupport bracket 30 could be mounted directly to the dock 22. Use ofbackboard 20 provides additional adjustment means to accommodate varyingwater levels. A series of apertures 24 are formed adjacent the perimeteredge of backboard 20 to permit adjustment of backboard 20 depending onthe water level such that the device 10 may be used to moor a boat atvarying water levels. The backboard 20 may be adjusted vertically bymoving fastening means to different pairs of apertures 24. Additionally,when water levels have changed a small amount, vertical support bracket30 which fastens to backboard 20 by fastening means through holes 32,may be adjusted vertically by moving fastening means to different pairsof holes 32 which line up with bores 26 formed in backboard 20. Verticaladjustment of both backboard 20 and vertical support bracket 30 permit awide variety of water levels to be easily adjusted for.

[0017] Vertical support bracket 30 has a pair of sides formed therein, aflange 31 and a side wall 29, each of which has having orifices 34formed therein for the receipt of pivoting pin 62. Additionally, sidewall 29 has a second row of orifices 34 for receipt of locking pin 70. Asupport having set of openings with a chamfer to assist placement of thelocking pin 70 is mounted 42, in actual use conditions mounted by welds,although other mounting means could be used, to vertical support bracketside wall 29 such that openings align with orifices 34. Support 42permits locking pin 70, when in its position of use received by the bodyof hitch ball coupler 50, to position hitch ball coupler either in alocked position, as shown in FIGS. 1 &7 or in a ready position as shownin FIG. 5. Cotter pins 72 may be used to lock pivoting pin 62 andlocking pin 70 in place, as shown in FIG. 1. Under use conditions, bothcotter pins 72, locking pin 70 and pivoting pin 62 may be tethered tothe device by cable, wire or the like to prevent these items from beinglost in the water when adjusting their positions. Hitch ball coupler 50has a safety lever 52 and trigger lock 54. Hitch ball coupler 50 whileshown in standard form, can be adapted such that the hitch ball couplerbody 48 is elongated for use with larger boats such as pontoon boats.Handle 56 is attached, in actual use conditions, along the side of hitchball coupler body 48 although handle 56 could be attached elsewhere onhitch ball coupler 50 such as on the dorsal side thereof withoutdeparting from the scope and intent of this invention. Handle 56 isequipped with a grip 58 for ease of use of the boat docking stabilizer10. Glide bar 44 is provided and screw mounted to shelf 46 formed alongthe edge of vertical support bracket 30 opposite that of flange 31.Glide bar 44 is provided as a bumper to cushion the boat being moored toboat docking stabilizer 10. Chamfered locking pin support 42 that iswelded to side wall 29 of vertical support bracket 30, chamfered lockingpin support 42 provided to support locking pin 70 into position toeither lock hitch ball coupler 50 into a ready position or a lockedposition, the chamfer provided to guide locking pin 70 into position.Chamfered locking pin support 42 is of stainless steel or otherresilient material. Chamferred locking pin support 42 is shaped as a barof material with chamferred openings that align with side wall orifices34 permit ease of use of locking pin 70 which may be positioned throughhitch ball coupler 50 and held in position, either the ready position,as shown in FIG. 4 or the locked position as shown in FIG. 7. A pair ofchannel brackets 31, FIG. 3 are used to firmly hold the boat dockingstabilizer 10 in position on dock 22. Vertical support bracket 30 is ofzinc plated steel although other resilient materials could be used, andhas a crenelated profile. Vertical support bracket 30 is screw mountedto backboard 20 by screws 74 although other fastening means could beused. Bolts 76 are used to mount backboard 20 to dock 22 although againother fastening means could be used. Channel bracket 21 is positionedinside dock 22 to more firmly attach boat docking stabilizer 10 to dock22. T nuts 78 are shown as liners for apertures 24 formed in backboard20 although other reinforcing materials could be used.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a side perspective view with some elements shown incross-section to aid in understanding of the invention. Backboard 20 isbolt-mounted to dock 22 and vertical support bracket 30 is screw mountedto backboard 20. Backboard 20 is shown mounted mid-backboard to the dock22 although it is understood that backboard 20 may be easily adjusted toaccommodate lower or higher water levels. Vertical mounting bracket 30also is adjustable compounding the adjustability of boat dockingstabilizer 10 in regards to water levels. In FIG. 4, hitch ball coupler50 is shown raised in a ready position pivoted about pivot pin 62 topermit the user to pull the boat in under the hitch ball coupler 50,and, as shown in FIG. 5, manually release locking pin 70 to lower hitchball coupler 50 pivoted about pivot pin 62 into position fastening ontohitch ball 100, FIG. 6. Hitch ball coupler 50 is locked into position inFIG. 7 with safety hitch lever 52 shown in a locked position and lockingpin 70 in a locked position.

[0019]FIG. 8 is the pivot pin tube 64 indicated by cross-section at FIG.2. Pivot pin tube 64 is mounted, by welds in actual use conditions,although other fastening means could be used, are to the underside ofhitch ball coupler 50 and forms a chamber into which pivot pin 62 isreceived and about which hitch ball coupler 50 pivots. A chamfer 66guides pivot pin 62 into pivot pin tube 64.

[0020]FIG. 9 illustrates a similar locking pin tube 68 that receiveslocking pin 70, indicated by cross-section at FIG. 2. A chamfer 66 inboth locking pin support 42 and locking pin tube 68 guides locking pininto locking pin tube 68.

[0021] In use, the backboard 20, which has been positioned by fasteningmeans, such as nuts and bolts, screws or other fastening means, to adock 22 or other structure to which the boat is desired to be moored,has mounted thereto in actual use conditions on a distal side thereofchannel bracket 21 is used although backboard 20 could be mounteddirectly to the dock 22. Backboard 20 is vertically adjusted toaccommodate the water level such that the hitch ball coupler 50 would begrasped by the grip 58 on handle 56 would meet and attach hitch ball 100mounted on a boat. FIG. 4 illustrates the device 10 mounted on thebackboard 20 and positioned in a storage position with the hitch ballcoupler 50 hanging vertically from pivot pin 62. When the boatapproaches, user manually lifts the device 10 by means of handle 56, asshown in FIG. 5, such that hitch ball 100 is received by hitch ballcoupler 50, FIG. 6, and locked into place, FIG. 7. Using a pair of thedevices 10, positioned on the dock or other mooring structure in aspaced apart position, in actual use conditions about six feet apart,provides a stable surface for boarding and de-boarding from dock to boator between a larger boat and smaller boat.

[0022]FIG. 2 illustrates the hitch ball coupler 50 in detail with bothlocking pin 70 and pivoting pin 62 removed. An off the shelf hitch ballcoupler 50, such as manufactured by DL Corp. of Hastings NE can be used.The hitch ball coupler body 48 is lengthened as an adaptation to allowuse of the device of this invention with larger boats, such as pontoons.Additionally, the addition of handle 56 is an adaptation. Handle isshown fastened to a side of hitch ball coupler body 48 by screws orother fastening means.

[0023] Although the present invention has been described in considerabledetail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, otherversions are possible. For example hitch ball coupler 50 couple beadapted in length to accommodate a larger boat such as a pontoon boat.Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not belimited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

[0024] Changes and modifications in the specifically describedembodiments can be carried out without departing from the scope of theinvention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved boat docking stabilizer device formooring a boat to a dock structure that stabilizes a moored boatallowing for safe boarding and de-boarding of passengers from the mooredboat while permitting the boat to roll free with the waves thuspreventing damage to either the dock or the moored boat., comprising: avertical support bracket mounted to the dock structure; a hitch ballcoupler pivotably mounted to said vertical support bracket for receivinga hitch ball coupler mounted on a boat; and means for locking said hitchball coupler in a ready position and in a locked position.
 2. The deviceof claim 1, wherein said hitch ball coupler further comprises a handlemounted along the length of said hitch ball coupler as means for manualuse of said device.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said verticalsupport bracket has a parallel row of apertures formed therein asadjustment means for the positioning of said vertical support bracketupon said backboard.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said hitch ballcoupler may be adjusted vertically by moving pivot pin to differentapertures in vertical support bracket.
 5. The device of claim 1, whereinsaid means for locking said hitch ball coupler in a ready position andin a locked position further comprises a locking pin received byapertures in the vertical support bracket such that the hitch ballcoupler remains in a desired position.
 6. The device of claim 4, furthercomprising a glide bar mounted on a surface extending away from saidpivoting hitch ball coupler in its stored position for providing abumping surface for the boat prior to mooring.
 7. The device of claim 6,further comprising a pair of the device of claim 1 positioned apart fromeach other on a dock such that a boat may be moored between said pair ofthe device.
 8. An improved boat docking stabilizer device for mooring aboat to a dock structure that stabilizes a moored boat allowing for safeboarding and de-boarding of passengers from the moored boat whilepermitting the boat to roll free with the waves thus preventing damageto either the dock or the moored boat and permits long-term mooring ofthe boat without damage, comprising: a backboard mounted perpendicularlyto a dock structure by fastening means; a vertical support bracketmounted to the dock structure; a hitch ball coupler pivotably mounted tosaid vertical support bracket for receiving a hitch ball coupler mountedon a boat; and means for locking said hitch ball coupler in a readyposition and in a locked position.
 9. The device of claim 8, whereinsaid hitch ball coupler further comprises a handle mounted along thelength of said hitch ball coupler as means for manual use of saiddevice.
 10. The device of claim 8, wherein said backboard has a parallelrow of apertures formed therein as adjustment means for the positioningof said backboard relative to said dock.
 11. The device of claim 10,further comprising a glide bar mounted on a surface extending away fromsaid pivoting hitch ball coupler in its stored position for providing abumping surface for the boat prior to mooring.
 12. The device of claim11, further comprising a pair of the device of claim 8 positioned apartfrom each other on a dock such that a boat may be moored between saidpair of the device such that the moored boat rides on the water withoutdamage to either the boat or the dock.
 13. The device of claim 8, suchthat the pair of the device of claim 8 could be mounted for use on alarger boat to moor a smaller boat thereto.
 14. The device of claim 8,further comprising a glide bar mounted on a surface extending away fromsaid pivoting hitch ball coupler in its stored position for providing abumping surface for the boat prior to mooring.
 15. The device of claim8, whereby the hitch assembly can be secured against pivotal movement byuse of a locking pin at the pivoting hitch ball coupler.
 16. An improvedboat docking stabilizer device for mooring a boat to a dock structurethat stabilizes a moored boat allowing for safe boarding and de-boardingof passengers from the moored boat while permitting the boat to rollfree with the waves thus preventing damage to either the dock or themoored boat and permits long-term mooring of the boat without damage,comprising: a backboard mounted perpendicularly to a dock structure byfastening means; a vertical support bracket mounted to the dockstructure; a hitch ball coupler pivotably mounted to said verticalsupport bracket for receiving a hitch ball coupler mounted on a boat;means for locking said hitch ball coupler in a ready position and in alocked position; and a handle mounted along the length of said hitchball coupler as means for manual use of said device.
 17. The device ofclaim 16, wherein said backboard has a parallel row of apertures formedtherein as adjustment means for the positioning of said backboardrelative to said dock.
 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising apair of the device of claim 16 positioned apart from each other on adock such that a boat may be moored between said pair of the device suchthat the moored boat rides on the water without damage to either theboat or the dock.
 19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a glidebar mounted on a surface extending away from said pivoting hitch ballcoupler in its stored position for providing a bumping surface for theboat prior to mooring.
 20. The device of claim 18, whereby the hitchassembly can be secured against pivotal movement by use of a locking pinat the pivoting hitch ball coupler.